FAQ's

I want to emphasize that choosing to enter therapy takes courage, and the willingness to consider therapy is the first major step towards healing. Therapy requires suspension of defenses and the ability to be vulnerable in order to reflect and fully understand one's source of struggle, pain or distress. For that reason, I emphasize the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental space.

This ability to face one's struggle, distress or pain is a process within itself, as it requires one to feel ready to reflect without judgment and self-criticism. This can lead to a great sense of discomfort and feeling more vulnerable. The goal is to approach with understanding and self-compassion, to create change and replace maladaptive behaviors, beliefs, and relationships that no longer serve the person as they may have at some point.

Sometimes clients report feeling better right away after several sessions, while others may not feel any alleviation in their symptoms. Others may feel worse before they start feeling better. It's not easy to unpack the source of your pain and the symptoms that accompany it. By processing your challenges and the roots of your distress, you bring them from the peripheral to the centre stage. This may lead to more distress or discomfort in the beginning, as defenses that have been protecting you — and no longer serve you — are no longer in effect, which is a necessary part of change. Also, keep in mind that meaningful and permanent changes often happen in small increments.

The outcome of your treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage in the process, which may at times result in considerable discomfort. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on strong feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, and more. There are no quick fixes. I cannot promise that your behavior or circumstances will change. I can promise to support you and do my very best to understand you and your repeating patterns, as well as to help you clarify what it is that you want for yourself and the changes you desire to make.

Rigorous clinical research studies have shown that a variety of psychotherapies are effective with children, adults, and older adults for most psychological disorders. Generally, studies have shown large beneficial effects for psychotherapy in comparison to groups who have not received treatment, confirming the efficacy of psychotherapy across diverse conditions.

Beutler, 2009; Beutler et al., 2003; Lambert & Ogles, 2004; McMain & Pos, 2007; Shedler, 2010; Thomas & Zimmer-Gembeck, 2007.

In addition, clinical research has shown different forms of psychotherapy typically produce relatively similar outcomes, and that effectiveness in therapy happens by identifying the intervention that fits the client's needs.

Castonguay & Beutler, 2006; Miklowitz, 2008; Norcross, 2011.

In your first session I will go over confidentiality and consent, explain the process, and discuss any expectations or questions that you may have. I will spend a few minutes discussing who I am and how I work — just in case you missed my biography — and give you an opportunity to ask questions. From there I will work on getting to know you, what's bringing you in, and what you are currently experiencing.

I strongly believe that a safe and supportive environment is necessary and the main catalyst for healing, change and growth. That involves ceasing all judgments in order to fully understand all aspects of the person, their challenges and symptoms.

Often what brings clients to therapy is a dissatisfaction described as pain — anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, addiction — along with isolation and disconnection. However the source of that pain, isolation and disconnection is different for each person. I look to understand the symptoms and to address the underlying cause, while also providing coping skills that may be necessary.

• Individual and couples therapy sessions are $180.00 per 50-minute session. When beneficial, extended sessions are offered and billable by the half hour.
• Assessment services are $250 per hour. Please get in touch to discuss your needs and obtain an estimate for a psychological assessment.

Reduced fees: I believe that mental health services should be accessible to everyone. To address this, sliding scale fees are reserved for underprivileged individuals, those undergoing hardship, and those working in the non-profit sector.

At this time I am accepting the following insurance:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
• Cigna / Evernorth
• UnitedHealthcare
• Medicare
• Superior Health
• Magellan (through Blue Shield)

Please contact your insurance company using the 800 number listed on your card. Let them know you are inquiring about outpatient mental health benefits, and verification that Psychology Center of Acceptance, Consciousness, and Healing is in network.

Some insurance companies have a carve-out for mental health through another insurance company, which we may not be in-network with.

Cash, checks, and all major credit cards are accepted for payment.

I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Please be aware that the designated time slot is for you, and that the appointment can't be given away if there isn't a timely cancellation. No-shows, or appointments missed with less than 24 hours' notice, will be charged the full cost of the session.